Kamilo77

Planning on tackling the oil pan gasket soon. I have bought an engine support bar to support the motor from the top, question is what are all the required components I need to remove to get the cross member out of the way? Also can I do the job with the car on ramps or do I need the wheels free?

Adk46

You have options. I've read here that it is possible to stretch a silicone gasket around the oil pan from underneath, like a rubber band. That avoids having to maneuver it through the side, which is greatly hindered by the oil pick up. Getting all the oil pan screws out and back in will remain a challenge, and dealing with the grime.

The discussion that will follow, from people who do not get up as early as I do or live in western time zones, but who know far more than me, will ask about your motor mounts and suggest you have a wonderful opportunity to be rid of 30 years of accumulated grime. This is one of the standard jobs, a rite of passage: the "MM/OPG" job. Search for Dwayne's Garage, and you'll find an excellent write-up for it.

Dwayne did it from jack stands. I've become too stiff and old for that sort of thing, and put in a lift for before taking on this job, for which the gasket is a target of opportunity while the cross member is out. A good middle ground is to clean the area from a lift in whatever time you can schedule, then you can exercise patience with the mechanical work.

We could use a hint about the year of your car and your location. You can add this to your profile and signature.

Jehu Gearloose

You may find some help by looking at previous threads on motor mount replacement. Lowering the cross member is required for that task, too.

I'm in the middle of that so I have some links handy.

http://www.dwaynesgarage.norcal928.org/MotorMounts.htm

http://members.rennlist.org/pirtle/svc_mm.html

http://members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/motor.htm

Kamilo77

Got it these links should answer all my questions thanks fellas.